A new resource for secondary school-aged pupils has been launched to encourage young people to consider a career in the veterinary professions.
‘Vet Team in a Box’, which is sponsored by ManyPets pet insurance, is a complete secondary school lesson in a box. It is designed in-line with National Curriculum key stage 3 Science, where students will participate in ‘real-life’ veterinary scenarios, performing diagnostic tests similar to those used to diagnose real animals and interpreting scientific evidence.
This project aims to demystify the veterinary professions and some of the perceived barriers to joining it for both young people and their advisors. It covers a wealth of content, from science, critical thinking, communication, mathematics, analytics to problem-solving skills and teamwork.
The guided lesson sees vet Faheem Ilyas, vet nurse Craig Tessyman and University of Liverpool vet student Reanne McDonald talk through a fictional scenario to help a farmer protect her herd of cows by making diagnostic decisions and creating a treatment plan.
Aimed at pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9, schools will be able to “book the box” via project collaborators Loughborough University (producers of HE Unboxed) and have it delivered to them for free.
The project aims to engage with future members of the professions from all backgrounds. The box is available to all schools, however schools which have a high number of pupils from diverse backgrounds will get booking priority and additional support.
The resource has been created by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with members of the Widening Participation Vet Schools Network, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA), Vet Nurse Futures and HE Unboxed.
It will be showcased at the London Vet Show on November 17 and 18 at ExCel London and then available to schools from late November.
BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “This is a fantastic new resource which is not only educational but fun for pupils to take part in. I am extremely proud to be part of the veterinary profession, which is made up of incredible people from all walks of life.
“It is so important to demonstrate to young people that they can play an important role in delivering animal welfare, whatever their educational, financial or cultural background. This resource is sure to spark an interest in many young minds and help the vets and vet nurses of the future to take their first steps on this rewarding career path.”
